Fainting Goats: Do They Really Faint?

Screaming and fainting goats have become internet sensations, captivating audiences with their quirky behavior. You may have stumbled upon countless videos of goats frozen after being startled or belting unusual sounds to holiday tunes. But what’s the real story behind these viral videos?

This blog post explains what’s truly happening behind the meme. Do goats really faint? Why do goats faint? Do all goats faint, or is it just a specific breed? Are fainting goats in pain when they faint? Read below to find out!

Jump Links

• Fainting Goats Video: Getting to Know the Meme
• Fainting Goats: Do They Really Faint?
• Do All Goats Faint?
• Do Fainting Goats Faint From Being Scared?
• The Science Behind the Stiffness
• Do Fainting Goats Suffer?
• Conclusion

The goat, scientifically known as Capra hircus, is a domesticated species within the goat-antelope family, typically raised as livestock. It traces its lineage to the wild goat, Capra aegagrus, originating from Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe.

Belonging to the animal family Bovidae and the tribe Caprini, goats share a close genetic relationship with sheep. Goats are among the oldest domesticated animals, with evidence of their domestication dating back to approximately 10,000 years ago in Iran. There are over 300 distinct breeds of them.

Throughout history, goats have been valued for their milk, meat, fur, and skins, contributing to various industries worldwide. But we sustain that their value goes beyond being a means for production. We hope that by learning more about them, even through random topics like the one this post covers, you can see the amazing animals they are and understand their intrinsic value.

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Fainting Goats Video: Getting to Know the Meme

Before we dive into the questions, let’s show you the fainting goats videos that have been making the rounds and sparking people’s curiosity:

Below you can understand more of what’s happening in these videos.

Fainting Goats: Do They Really Faint?

While “fainting” may suggest a loss of consciousness, fainting goats don’t actually faint in the traditional sense. Instead, they experience a temporary stiffening of their muscles, known as myotonia, when startled or experiencing stress. This condition, called myotonia congenita, causes their muscles to contract and remain rigid for a brief period, leading to a temporary paralysis-like state. So while they may appear to faint, they are fully conscious throughout the episode.

Because of what we previously explained, using the term “fainting” is a bit inaccurate. However, we will continue using that term throughout this post because that’s how people search for these questions, and we want them to find their answers!

Do All Goats Faint?

Not all goats “faint”. The breed that has stolen the spotlight for its “fainting” is aptly named the Tennessee fainting goat. Also known as myotonic, stiff-legged, nervous, or wooden-leg goats, they have a genetic predisposition to myotonia congenita.

Do Fainting Goats Faint From Being Scared?

Contrary to popular belief, these goats don’t “faint” from fright. This “fainting” reaction is associated with fright because sudden movements or loud noises often trigger it. But, as you have probably heard somewhere “correlation does not imply causation“.

The phenomenon of fainting in goats, often attributed to fear, is actually a result of their genetic condition known as myotonia congenita. This disorder affects the chloride channels in their skeletal muscle cells, leading to a temporary stiffening of the muscles after involuntary movements. While external stimuli like sudden movements or loud noises can trigger these involuntary movements, it’s important to note that the fainting response is not directly caused by fear itself. Instead, it’s a physiological reaction linked to their genetic predisposition.

So, while there may be a correlation between startling events and “fainting” episodes, the two are not causally connected.

The Science Behind the Stiffness

Myotonia congenita in goats is caused by a recessive gene mutation. This means both parents must carry the gene for their offspring to display the condition. The stiffening of muscles typically lasts for only a few seconds, and there’s no lasting harm. That is unless the goat falls from a height or lands on a dangerous surface. Despite their temporary helplessness, fainting goats quickly recover and resume normal activities.

Do Fainting Goats Suffer?

The question of whether fainting goats experience pain during these episodes is a matter of debate. While they remain conscious throughout the event, it’s challenging to determine if they feel discomfort. Goats’ behavior suggests that they quickly recover without apparent distress. However, the fall could cause injuries that result in pain or discomfort. Additionally, individuals with myotonia congenita, both human and goat, may experience muscle stiffness, spasms, or cramping, which could contribute to chronic discomfort.

Conclusion

The unique “fainting” goats are believed to have originated in Tennessee around the 1800s, although the exact origins remain uncertain. They’ve garnered attention not only for their fainting episodes but also for their distinct physical characteristics, including a wider body and prominent eyes.

While fainting goats have become popular subjects for viral internet videos, it’s crucial to recognize their significance beyond entertainment. Efforts to preserve the breed highlight their valuable traits, such as parasite resistance and good maternal instincts. Organizations like the Myotonic Goat Registry play a vital role in maintaining the breed’s integrity and promoting responsible breeding practices.

Beyond their fainting episodes, myotonic goats possess a range of unique characteristics. Their vigilant nature and adaptability make them valuable additions to farms, while their distinct physical features set them apart from other goat breeds.

Despite their occasional bouts of stiffness, fainting goats lead fulfilling lives and contribute to agricultural heritage. Understanding the science behind their condition allows us to know them beyond internet memes.

In conclusion, while fainting goats may continue to amuse and intrigue us with their antics, it’s essential to recognize and respect the biology and history behind the phenomenon. These goats are more than just internet sensations; they’re living reminders of the diversity and resilience of livestock breeds.

So, the next time you come across a video of a fainting goat, remember what’s going on behind the meme-worthy moment.